My oldest found a recipe on Web. I insisted on whole wheat flour--telling her they will taste just as good. Pretzels must come after she and her brother's home work and violin lessons have been completed. But dinner is in oven, which, if you know me at all, is a major feat all by itself. In any case, pretzels or no, I'm spending rest of this day with ones who make my heart smile.

Speaking of which, a big smooch to my husband for stopping home for lunch and filling up my gas tank--literally. I'm not speaking in some type of romantic code here. The minivan was on "E"--I was living on edge as usual. And props to my parents for helping to fill in gaps to support my work as an author--I am truly blessed with best family in world.

Here's to health, happiness, peace, love and endless hope throughout year,

LaVora

Rather than struggle with a long list of difficult new year's resolutions, I would like to suggest committing to one that could truly make a difference in your life and lives of others.

Once each day, think about potential you were given, how you have used it, and how you could use it to benefit others. Visualize yourself using this gift to create a better world with your unique talents. Imagine how you will feel when you've succeeded. After you complete this brief exercise, you'll feel confident, energized, and ready to go into action.

Resolve to continue developing your unique potential each day. You might be surprised to see many of your past struggles resolve in process. Best of all, you'll have joy of knowing that you've truly made a difference in your life, and in lives of others. You will have made world a better place to live.